Cargo support system

ABSTRACT

The combination of: a) a storage unit associated with an over-the-road vehicle, the storage unit having an internal wall surface bounding a storage space and including spaced and facing first and second wall surfaces and a floor surface; and b) a cargo support system. The cargo support system has first and second vertically extending tracks operatively mounted on each to the first and second wall surface and at least a first elongate beam having spaced first and second ends attached respectively to the first and second tracks in an operative position spaced above the floor surface. At least one of the tracks is maintained operatively mounted to the first wall surface through the use of an adhesive.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to cargo support systems and, more particularly,to a system for maintaining cargo in an elevated position relative to afloor surface in a storage space in over-the-road vehicles.

2. Background Art

The freight hauling industry has become increasingly competitive. Higherfuel costs have reduced margins. To remain competitive, entities arerequired to maximize utilization of cargo storage space in over-the-roadvehicles, such as semi-trailers.

The assignee herein has developed cargo storage systems for suchvehicles which allow more complete utilization of the upper volume ofstorage spaces which commonly is not occupied by cargo that is stackedfrom the floor upwards. The assignee herein offers, among other options,a system which it identifies as its Lift-A-Deck™ system. TheLift-A-Deck™ system utilizes vertically extending logistic tracks thatare secured to facing side walls on such trailers. The tracks have a lowprofile so as not to occupy any significant volume of the usable storagespace. Beams span between the tracks and may directly support cargo orpanels upon which cargo can be placed. The tracks permit releasableconnection of the beams at different heights that are selected basedupon the configuration of the cargo.

With most trailers, these tracks can be integrated into the side wallsof the trailer by using a series of fasteners that secure the tracks toframework in the side walls at spaced intervals from the floor to theroof of the vehicle. These fasteners will typically be directed throughpanels bounding the storage space and into reinforcing posts and otherframework within the panels or to which the panels are secured.

While the same need for these elevated cargo supports exists in trailersthat have a heated or cooled internal environment, modification of theseconventionally constructed trailers to provide elevated supplementalcargo support surfaces presents problems, particularly with respect tomounting the tracks that support the spanning beams. These trailers arecommonly constructed with insulated panels that have an insulatingmaterial between encasing layers or skins. These panels may extendsubstantially the full height of the storage space. These panels maylack a rigid structural framework that will support fasteners topositively secure the beam supporting tracks in a securely fixedposition.

Incorporating framework into these panels during initial manufacturedetrimentally changes their insulating properties such as R value,thereby decreasing efficiency of operation.

Insulating properties might also be compromised by directing fastenersinto the panels without adequate internal structural framework. This mayadditionally compromise the overall integrity of these panels, whichcould lead to shifting or, in a worst case, release of the supplementalsupporting structure. Penetration of these panels by fasteners may alsomake them prone to the detrimental ingress of environmental moisture,which may be absorbed by the insulating material.

Since the majority of the area of the insulated panels is not equippedto support penetrating fasteners, the only practical method ofsupporting beams in existing trailer units to this point has been toprovide an independent framework that is primarily self-supporting. Thevertical beam support components would thus be required to project intothe storage volume, taking up valuable space that could otherwise beused to accommodate cargo.

While a need for supplemental, elevated cargo support in refrigeratedtrailers has existed, the industry has not devised a practical designthat is commercially feasible in terms of being structurally sound whileat the same time not taking up any appreciable amount of usable cargospace. The ability to retrofit existing cargo units with conditionedinternal environments has particular value but, to date, has not beenpractically achievable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one form, the invention is directed to the combination of: a) astorage unit associated with an over-the-road vehicle, the storage unithaving an internal wall surface bounding a storage space and includingspaced and facing first and second wall surfaces and a floor surface;and b) a cargo support system. The cargo support system has first andsecond vertically extending tracks operatively mounted one each to thefirst and second wall surfaces and at least a first elongate beam havingspaced first and second ends attached respectively to the first andsecond tracks in an operative position spaced above the floor surface.At least one of the tracks is maintained operatively mounted to thefirst wall surface through the use of an adhesive.

In one form, the one track has a vertical extent and is adhesivelybonded to the first wall surface over the majority of the verticalextent of the one track.

In one form, the storage unit has a framework and a plurality of panelson the framework defines the internal wall surface. The one track issecured by at least one fastener extending into the framework at atleast one of a top and bottom location on the one track.

In one form, the framework has top and bottom rails and at least one ofthe fasteners extends into the one track and each of the top and bottomrails.

In one form, the one track is adhesively bonded over substantially theentire vertical extent of the one track.

In one form, the cargo support system unit has a first plate thatresides between the first wall and the one track.

In one form, the first plate is adhesively bonded to the first wallsurface and the one track is adhesively bonded to the first plate.

In one form, the internal wall surface further has a ceiling surface andthe one track and first plate are coextensive over substantially theentire distance between the floor and ceiling surfaces.

In one form, the first plate is adhesively bonded to the first wallsurface and the one track is adhesively bonded to the first plate oversubstantially the entire distance between the floor and ceilingsurfaces.

In one form, the framework has top and bottom rails and fasteners extendinto the first plate, first wall surface and framework at each of thetop and bottom rails.

In one form, there are no fasteners extending into the one track andfirst wall surface over a majority of the distance between the top andbottom rails.

In one form, the storage unit has a first plate that resides between thefirst wall surface and the one track over substantially a full verticalextent of the one track and there are no fasteners extending into thefirst plate and first wall surface over a majority of the distancebetween the top and bottom plates.

In one form, the first wall surface is defined by a first panel havingan inner and an outer layer with insulation therebetween.

In one form, the first panel has a vertically extending reinforcingcomponent and the first track is operatively mounted in overlyingrelationship with the reinforcing component.

In one form, the at least one fastener is a rivet.

In one form, the fasteners are rivets extending through the one trackand first plate and into each of the top and bottom rails.

In one form, the storage unit has a refrigeration source for cooling thestorage space.

In one form, the storage unit is a trailer on a semi-trailer unit.

In one form, the storage unit is fixedly attached to a towing unit.

In one form, the invention is directed to the combination of: a) astorage unit associated with an over-the-road vehicle, the storage unithaving an internal wall surface bounding a storage space; and b) a cargosupport system including a first track operatively mounted to theinternal wall surface at a first location and configured to connect to apart of a cargo support component to operatively support the cargosupport component. The storage unit is defined by inner and outer layersat the first location between which insulation is located. The internalwall surface is defined by the inner layer at the first location. Thefirst track is maintained operatively mounted to the internal wallsurface through the use of an adhesive.

In one form, the cargo support system includes a first plate thatresides between the first track and the internal wall surface at thefirst location.

In one form, the first plate is adhesively bonded to the internal wallsurface and the first track is adhesively bonded to the first plate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the combination of anover-the-road vehicle with a storage unit and a cargo support system,according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one specific form of vehicle, in theform of a semi-trailer, with the cargo support system in a storage spacedefined by the trailer thereon;

FIG. 3 is a partially schematic, enlarged, fragmentary, elevation viewof a logistic track on the cargo support system mounted to a side wallsurface bounding the storage space on the vehicle in FIG. 2 with amounting plate between the track and side wall surface;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the components in FIG. 3taken along line 4-4 therein;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, side elevation view of part of the side wall,as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, with the track and mounting plate operativelymounted thereto;

FIG. 6 is a view as in FIG. 4 wherein the mounting plate and track aremounted at a different location along the side wall;

FIG. 7 is a view as in FIG. 2 of a modified form of over-the-roadvehicle into which the inventive cargo support system is incorporated;

FIG. 8 is a view as in FIG. 5 and showing an optional reinforcinghorizontal doubler component on the side wall to which the track andmounting plate are connected;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the side wall taken along line 9-9of FIG. 8 and showing a region of the mounting plate that overlies thehorizontal doubler component;

FIG. 10 is a view as in FIG. 9 and showing a modified form of mountingplate that is formed to define a receptacle for the horizontal doublercomponent;

FIG. 11 is an elevation view of a modified form of track usableaccording to the invention;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the track taken along line 12-12 ofFIG. 11; and

FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of the combination of a storageunit with another form of cargo support system, according to theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As shown schematically in FIG. 1, the present invention is directed tothe combination of a cargo support system 10 and a storage unit 12 thatare part of an over-the-road vehicle at 14. The vehicle 14 includes atowing unit 16 that moves the storage unit 12. The storage unit 12 hasan internal wall surface 18 bounding a storage space within which thecargo support system 10 is placed.

The generic showing of components in FIG. 1 is intended to encompass thebasic components, as shown in exemplary forms herein, and variationsthereof consistent with the inventive concepts herein.

As one example, the over-the-road vehicle 14 may be in the nature of asemi-trailer, as shown in FIGS. 2-6, with the towing unit 16 in the formof a tractor and the storage unit 12 in the form of a trailer that isconnected to the tractor 16 through a conventional hitch arrangement.

The storage unit/trailer 12 is supported upon a wheeled carriage 20. Astorage space at 22 is bounded by the internal wall surface 18. The wallsurface 18 consists of a floor surface 24, a ceiling surface 26, firstand second facing side wall surfaces 28, 30, and a front wall surface32.

An access opening at 34 is selectively exposed and blocked by a pair ofhinged doors 36.

Basic components of the cargo support system 10 are first and secondvertically extending logistic tracks 38, 40, respectively operativelymounted to the side wall surfaces 28, 30, and a first elongate beam 42with spaced ends 44, 46 attached respectively to the tracks 38, 40.

The beam 42 and tracks 38, 40 can be made with a conventionalconstruction. The owner herein currently offers its Lift-A-Deck™ system,with a form thereof described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,074,143, entitled“Adjustable Decking System For Supporting Freight”. The disclosuretherein is incorporated herein by reference.

The structural details of the beam 42 and tracks 38, 40 are not criticalto the present invention. It suffices to say that the tracks 38, 40 havevertically spaced slots 48, shown for the exemplary track 38, toreleasably engage a connector 50 on the beam end 44. A user can placethe connector 50 on the beam end 44 in the slot 48 at the desiredvertical height. The same connection is present between the oppositebeam end 46 and the track 40.

Any number of pairs of the tracks 38, 40 can be utilized at desiredintervals along the fore-and-aft extent of the storage space 22.

The side wall surfaces 28, 30 are defined by panels 52 that are securedto suitable framework 54 that is conventional in nature. The framework54 may include a top plate or rail 56 and a bottom rail 58 to which thepanels 52 are connected to define the exemplary side wall surface 28.Conceivably a single panel 52 might be utilized.

Each of the panels 52 has an inner layer 60, defining the wall surface28, and an outer layer 62. The space between the inner and outer layers60, 62 is filled with insulation 64. The insulation 64 may be anyconventional type of insulation material that is either preformed orformed in situ.

The panel 52 shown in FIG. 4 has a reinforcing component 66 with agenerally Z-shaped cross-sectional configuration.

All of the tracks 38, 40 throughout the storage space 22 can beoperatively mounted in the same fashion. Exemplary track 38 ismaintained operatively mounted to the wall surface 28 through the use ofan adhesive. While it is conceivable that the track 38 could be directlymounted to the wall surface 28 using adhesive, in a preferred form, amounting plate 68 is utilized and interposed between the track 38 andwall surface 28. The mounting plate 68 has a width W that is greaterthan the width W1 for the track 38.

One preferred material for the mounting plate is a composite sold byWabash National Corporation under the registered mark DuraPlate®. Othersuitable materials could be readily selected by one skilled in the art,using commercially available products.

An adhesive layer 70 is interposed between a mounting surface 72 on themounting plate 68 and the panel surface 28. The layer 70 preferablycovers all or most of the areal extent of the mounting surface 72 on themounting panel 68 that extends substantially fully between the ceilingsurface 26 and floor surface 24.

Similarly, an adhesive layer 74 is used to bond a flat surface 76 on thetrack 38 to the mounting plate surface 78 that faces oppositely to themounting plate surface 72. Preferably, the adhesive layer overlies all,or substantially all, of the area of the flat track surface 76 thatabuts to the plate surface 78.

Typically, the planes of the surfaces 28, 72, 76, 78 are all parallel,though this is not a requirement.

In a preferred form, the track 38 and mounting plate 68 are coextensiveover the entire vertical extent of the surface 28 between the floor andceiling surfaces 24, 26.

Adhesives with properties suitable to fixedly maintain the track 38 uponthe mounting plate 68 and the mounting plate 68 in turn upon the surface28 could be readily selected by one skilled in this art from any of anumber of adhesives, well known and commercially available.

For further structural integrity, fasteners 80 extend into the mountingplate 68 and framework 54, and preferably the top and bottom rails 56,58 thereon, to fixedly secure these components together. The fasteners80 would typically be in the form of rivets.

Fasteners 82 optionally extend into the track 38 and the mounting plate68, and potentially additionally into the framework 54. In the depictedembodiment, the fasteners 82 at the top of the track 38 extend into thetop rail 56. At the bottom of the track 38, the fasteners 82 extend intothe bottom rail 58. The fasteners 82 may likewise be in the form ofrivets.

In FIG. 4, the track 38 is shown overlying the reinforcing component 66.

In FIG. 6, a mounting location for the track 38 is at a juncture at 84between adjacent panels 52, whereat the panels 52 become locallyrigidified.

With the above-described arrangement, the track 38 can be operativelymounted potentially without the use of any fasteners extending throughthe panels 52. In a more preferred form, fasteners 80 are provided in atleast the mounting plate 68 at the top and bottom thereof to engage thetop and bottom rails 56, 58 respectively. The fasteners 80, 82potentially take strain off of the adhesive that provides the primarysecurement for the track 38.

It is also conceivable that the adhesive would not be applied over thefull vertical or horizontal extent of the surfaces 72, 76. It ispreferred that at least a majority of the vertical extent of thesesurfaces be bonded with an adhesive. The nature of the adhesive and itsproperties may dictate required coverage area.

With the preferred construction shown in FIG. 5, more preferably withthe fasteners 82 omitted, it is possible to operatively mount the track38 without any fasteners between those fasteners 80 extending into themounting plate 68 at the top and bottom thereof. The invention, however,does contemplate that one or more fasteners might be utilized betweenthe depicted locations for the fasteners 80. However, it is preferredthat the panels 52 not be penetrated by many, or more preferably any,fasteners over the vertical distance between the top and bottom rails56, 58. By avoiding direction of fasteners into insulated panels, thestructural integrity of the panels can be maintained. Further, byavoiding the formation of an opening in communication with anyinsulating material, exposure of the insulation material toenvironmental moisture can be avoided.

The insulated design is used to maintain a controlled environment withinthe storage space 22. A conventional air conditioning unit 86 may beemployed for this purpose, either as a refrigeration source for coolingthe storage space, or a heating source for raising the temperature ofthe storage space 22.

FIG. 7 depicts an alternative type of over-the-road vehicle 14′ that iswithin the generic showing in FIG. 1. The vehicle 14′ has a towing unit16′ with a storage unit 12′ fixedly attached thereto. The cargo supportsystem 10 within the cargo storage space 22′, defined by the storageunit 12′, is mounted operatively in the same fashion within the vehicle14′ as within the vehicle 14.

The cargo support system 10 can be incorporated as a new equipment OEMinstallation or as an after market up-fit or retrofit installation.

In FIGS. 8 and 9, modification is shown to the side wall that definesthe surface 28, as seen in FIG. 5. The mounting plate 68 is attached tothe panel surface 28 in the same manner as previously described. Theonly significant modification with the structure in FIG. 8 is that areinforcing, horizontal doubler component 90 is incorporated. Thecomponent 90 is located generally at the mid-height region between thefloor surface 24 and the ceiling surface 26. The component 90 may extendcontinuously over the full fore-and-aft extent of the side wall oralternatively over a lesser extent so long as the component 90 can besecurely held to provide a solid reinforcement for the mounting plate 68and adhesively connected track 38. Fasteners 80, 82 can be used toextend into the mounting plate 68 alone and/or the overlapped portionsof the track 38 and mounting plate 68, so as to additionally extend intothe top plate/rail 56 and bottom rail 58. The fasteners 80, 82 mayextend into the component 90.

The component 90 is fixedly secured to the wall surface 28 throughsuitable means. In one exemplary form, fasteners 92, which may be rivetsor the like, are utilized to secure the component 90 to the panel 52and/or the associated framework 54.

The component 90 rigidifies the panels 52 and provides a rigid supportlocation for the mounting plate 68 and track 38 at a mid-heightlocation. In one form, the component 90 has a height H on the order ofsix inches and a thickness T on the order of one-quarter inch. Thecomponent may be made from aluminum or other suitable material with goodstrength characteristics. Aluminum is selected because of its relativelylight weight.

As seen in FIG. 9, the track 38 and mounting plate 68, that are adheredto each other, will bend slightly to accommodate the component thicknessT.

Fasteners 80, as previously described, can be used to connect themounting plate 68 to the component 90 and one or both of the panel 52and framework 54. Fasteners 82 can be used in like fashion to extendadditionally through the track 38.

The mounting plate 68 is connected to the side wall as previouslydiscussed, utilizing adhesive and fasteners 80, 82, with the track 38secured to the panel 68 utilizing adhesive and optionally fasteners 82.

The use of the component 90 is desirable from the standpoint that itreinforces the panels 52, the track 38, and the connection therebetween.The component 90 is also desirable, particularly with a retrofittingoperation, wherein the track 38 is connected to side walls that are notreasonably flat over the footprint of the mounting plate 68 thereon.

While the adhesive layer 70 is shown between the mounting plate 68 andsurface 28 of the panel 52, if the component 90 is utilized, theadhesive layer 70 can be eliminated. It is still preferred that thetrack 38 be adhesively bonded to the mounting plate 68.

To avoid any compromising of the insulating characteristics of the sidewalls, the fasteners 80, 82 that extend into the component 90 may besized and configured so as not to fully penetrate the panels 52.However, this is not required.

In FIG. 10 a modified form of mounting plate is shown at 68′. Themounting plate 68′ differs from the mounting plate 68 by reason ofdefining a receptacle 100 to receive the component 90, thereby obviatingthe need to bend the mounting plate 68 and track 38 where they overliethe component 90.

The precise configuration of the tracks 38, 40 and the structure throughwhich they cooperate with the beams 42 to support the beams 42 atselected different heights are not critical to the present invention.The track construction utilized by the owner herein in its Lift-A-Deck™system is shown at 38′ in FIGS. 11 and 12. The invention contemplatesthe use of any structure cooperating between tracks and beams thatstably supports the beams.

In FIG. 13, another combination, according to the invention, isschematically depicted. The combination includes a storage unit 12″,with an internal wall surface 18″ bounding a storage space.

An associated cargo support system 10″ has a first track 38″ operativelymounted to the internal wall surface 18″ at a first location, the track38″ is configured to connect to a part of a cargo support component 100to operatively support the cargo support component 100.

The schematic representation is intended to encompass a range of trackconfigurations and cargo support component configurations to includevirtually any configuration of component that is required to be fixed tothe wall surface 18″ and support the weight of the part of the component100, and any additional weight from supported cargo, whether it fullyspans between spaced surfaces or is cantilever mounted.

The remaining components described in the embodiments in FIGS. 1-12 canbe incorporated similarly into the combination of FIG. 13, to includeplates, panels with inner and outer layers, insulation, adhesive,fasteners, etc.

The foregoing disclosure of specific embodiments is intended to beillustrative of the broad concepts comprehended by the invention.

1. In combination: a) a storage unit associated with an over-the-roadvehicle, the storage unit having an internal wall surface bounding astorage space and including spaced and facing first and second wallsurfaces and a floor surface; and b) a cargo support system comprising:first and second vertically extending tracks operatively mounted oneeach to the first and second wall surfaces; and at least a firstelongate beam having spaced first and second ends attached respectivelyto the first and second tracks in an operative position spaced above thefloor surface, wherein at least one of the tracks is maintainedoperatively mounted to the first wall surface through the use of anadhesive.
 2. The combination according to claim 1 wherein the one trackhas a vertical extent and is adhesively bonded to the first wall surfaceover the majority of the vertical extent of the one track.
 3. Thecombination according to claim 1 wherein the storage unit comprises aframework and a plurality of panels on the framework defining theinternal wall surface, and the one track is secured by at least onefastener extending into the framework at at least one of a top andbottom location on the one track.
 4. The combination according to claim3 wherein the framework comprises top and bottom rails and at least oneof the fasteners extends into the one track and each of the top andbottom rails.
 5. The combination according to claim 2 wherein the onetrack is adhesively bonded over substantially the entire vertical extentof the one track.
 6. The combination according to claim 1 wherein thecargo support system unit comprises a first plate that resides betweenthe first wall and the one track.
 7. The combination according to claim6 wherein the first plate is adhesively bonded to the first wall surfaceand the one track is adhesively bonded to the first plate.
 8. Thecombination according to claim 7 wherein the internal wall surfacefurther comprises a ceiling surface and the one track and first plateare coextensive over substantially an entire distance between the floorand ceiling surfaces.
 9. The combination according to claim 8 whereinthe first plate is adhesively bonded to the first wall surface and theone track is adhesively bonded to the first plate over substantially theentire distance between the floor and ceiling surfaces.
 10. Thecombination according to claim 9 wherein the framework comprises top andbottom rails and fasteners extend into the first plate, first wallsurface and framework at each of the top and bottom rails.
 11. Thecombination according to claim 4 wherein there are no fastenersextending into the one track and first wall surface over a majority of adistance between the top and bottom rails.
 12. The combination accordingto claim 4 wherein the storage unit comprises a first plate that residesbetween the first wall surface and the one track over substantially afull vertical extent of the one track and there are no fastenersextending into the first plate and first wall surface over a majority ofa distance between the top and bottom plates.
 13. The combinationaccording to claim 2 wherein the first wall surface is defined by afirst panel comprising an inner and an outer layer with insulationtherebetween.
 14. The combination according to claim 13 wherein thefirst panel comprises a vertically extending reinforcing component andthe first track is operatively mounted in overlying relationship withthe reinforcing component.
 15. The combination according to claim 3wherein the at least one fastener comprises a rivet.
 16. The combinationaccording to claim 10 wherein the fasteners comprise rivets extendingthrough the one track and first plate and into each of the top andbottom rails.
 17. The combination according to claim 11 wherein thestorage unit comprises a refrigeration source for cooling the storagespace.
 18. The combination according to claim 1 wherein the storage unitis a trailer on a semi-trailer unit.
 19. The combination according toclaim 1 wherein the storage unit is fixedly attached to a towing unit.20. In combination: a) a storage unit associated with an over-the-roadvehicle, the storage unit having an internal wall surface bounding astorage space; and b) a cargo support system comprising: a first trackoperatively mounted to the internal wall surface at a first location andconfigured to connect to a part of a cargo support component tooperatively support the cargo support component, the storage unitdefined by inner and outer layers at the first location between whichinsulation is located, the internal wall surface defined by the innerlayer at the first location, wherein the first track is maintainedoperatively mounted to the internal wall surface through the use of anadhesive.
 21. The combination according to claim 1 wherein the cargosupport system comprises a first plate that resides between the firsttrack and the internal wall surface at the first location.
 22. Thecombination according to claim 21 wherein the first plate is adhesivelybonded to the internal wall surface and the first track is adhesivelybonded to the first plate.